Famers Markets bid farewell to successful seasons

How did the Lents International and Montavilla farmers markets do this year? Well, take a look. And, discover where you can buy fresh produce, even during the winter months …

Although heavy rain chased shoppers from the Lents International Farmers Market during part of its last day of the season, those who came after the storm found a bounty of fall crops available.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The last day for two outer East Portland farmers markets – October 27 – was rain-soaked. But that didn’t stop vendors and intrepid shoppers from coming by to check out and buy fresh late-season crops on display.

Lents International Farmers Market

Showing crops they’d picked at their farm just that morning were Kristopher Logan and Chago Akles from the OSU Beginning Urban Farm Apprenticeship program.

“It has been a really great season here in Lents. It was not supposed to rain today, and it did. So, it is a little slower than we’d like for final market day, but it is still going pretty well.”

This was the best season ever for the Lents International Farmers Market, Broderick told East Portland News. “This is in terms of customer accounts – we’ve had right around 1,100 adult shoppers every week this season.

“We also measure our success by the number of positive comments from our vendors and customers. Everybody has told us how great the market has been this year. It’s like we’ve come into our own, and have become a solid marketplace with a good future.”

This urban market saw a greater variety of produce and products than in past years Broderick observed. “We are hoping to add even more product diversity next season, bringing in meat and cheese vendors.”

During our interview, activity under the central hub of canopies at the market picked up, as the annual Vendor’s Potluck dinner got underway.

Even during the off season, Lannie Kali of Maize Farm Stand says, customers can get her homemade breads, soups, and other products. “I deliver,” she says.

“By the way, we’re always looking for people to help and volunteer with Zenger Farm throughout the year, and with us, on this project,” Broderick said.

Produce is plentiful, during the last regular Montavilla Farmers Market.

“Week after week, customers come, and find everything is where it should be.” That’s been one secret of success for the Montavilla Farmers Market said Manager Gretchan Jackson. “It’s a small, successful neighborhood market.”